Whether you are Hypothyroid or Hyperthyroid, this list of 10 top foods for thyroid health has got you covered!
In my clinic, we like to focus on what you CAN eat, rather than all the foods you should be avoiding. And while there are certainly plenty of foods you should be avoiding if you have hypothyroidism, I want to encourage you to change your mindset to focus on what you can eat.
In this article:
10 Top Foods for Thyroid Health
#1 Organic Swiss Chard
Chlorophyll helps increase energy and supports healthy detox. The thyroid is easily affected by toxins, which is why foods that support detox are so important.
Try these leafy greens sautéed lightly with a avocado and coconut oil. Salt and pepper to taste.
They also make an excellent addition to a smoothie, especially one that aims to support detox.
#2 Wild Sardines
Rich in selenium and iodine, these little fish give you two of the major minerals that ensure healthy thyroid function.
#3 Organic Spinach
This leafy green is loaded with minerals, including iron and magnesium, which are necessary for thyroid function.
#4 Chicken with the Skin On!
Yes, eat your chicken with the skin on and enjoy a healthy dose of thyroid loving fat soluble Vitamins! But as often as possible, make sure your chicken is being fed only the best diet and is organic.
I'm a bit of a snob about the quality of meat that my family, my patients and myself eat. After all, an animal that isn't cared for isn't the type of meat that will support your health.
Not everyone has access to this type of meat. If this is true for you, don't beat yourself up. Just make the best decision for you when you can.
#5 Coconut Oil
Coconut oil helps with proper blood sugar balance, which indirectly improves the health of the thyroid and the adrenals (bonus!). Try a tablespoon with each meal for better hormone and blood sugar balance.
#6 Sweet Potatoes
These spuds are loaded with Vitamin A, which helps you use your thyroid hormone within the cell. I enjoy sweet potatoes with a healthy fat like ghee or olive oil and a little salt and pepper.
#7 Wild Caught Salmon
Essential fatty acids balance the immune system and decrease inflammation so your cells can use your thyroid hormone. Salmon also supplies you with important thyroid minerals selenium and iodine.
We prefer wild caught salmon because farm raised do not have the same benefits.
#8 Bone Broth
You've probably heard that organ meat is an amazing superfood. It's true. It is. But not many of my patients can get down with a hunk of liver or kidney pie…at least, not right away.
To get similar benefits with out having to eat all the organs, I recommend bone broth. Bone broth is excellent for gut healing, which many thyroid patients need. It also provides minerals and vitamins, like magnesium and Vitamin A, that your thyroid needs to function.
If you're not up for making bone broth, but still want to try it out, you may be interested in Kettle & Fire's offer. Fans of Dr. Brighten receive $10 off their first bone broth order from Kettle & Fire.
#9 Grass Fed Buffalo
High quality animal protein is essential for delivering amino acids, bioavailable minerals, and essential fatty acids. While you can find some of the same minerals in meat in foods like brown rice and leafy greens, these foods are not readily available to the body. Because people with hypothyroidism already have compromised digestion and absorption (this is why iron deficiency is common with hypothyroidism), it is important to consume foods with the most bioavailable forms of nutrients.
#10 Organic Strawberries
Rich in Vitamin C, pairing your strawberries with iron containing foods will enhance your absorption. Plus, Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that protects you from free radical damage.
Your adrenals also depend on Vitamin C. And if you've got a thyroid condition, then you definitely need to support your adrenals!
Looking for Help Incorporating the 10 Top Foods for Thyroid Health?
Grab the free meal plan and recipe guide I have for you below!
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